We're always brainstorming ways to work smarter, not harder, in the kitchen, one of which is dedicating an hour or two to culinary projects over the weekend (when time is generally more plentiful) to set ourselves up for the days ahead. In that vein, stay tuned for our new series, Weekend Project, in which we'll highlight projects perfect for making the most of your precious downtime.
Do you love the sweet earthiness of roasted beets, but find yourself eschewing recipes that include them due to their lengthy roast time? Here's a simple solution: roast up a big batch of beets while flipping through a favorite book on a lazy Sunday. Once they're done roasting, slice them into the appropriate size for the recipe at hand and stash them in your fridge, already portioned and ready to add to soups, salads, or even pizza throughout the week.
Want more weekend project ideas? We've got you covered.
Burgers, steak, hot dogs, fish, corn, potatoes: when it comes to kick-starting the Summer, you've got to break out the barbecue! I believe that virtually any dish can be cooked on a grill, from appetizers to desserts. This weekend, I'm making ricotta-stuffed grilled chicken, grilled lamb pizza, and grilled steak salad. Oh, and maybe grilled veggie burgers, too. 
If you're a fan of slow-cooked baked beans, you'll love this easy recipe for white beans with bacon, beer, and rosemary. This dish requires time: the beans must be soaked overnight and then cooked in the oven for two hours, so plan ahead. The wait is worth it, though. The beans are rustic but elegant, and absolutely delicious. Entertaining? Serve with roast chicken and a green salad. To get the recipe, 
I'll be the first to admit that I really enjoy cooking on the weekends. It's more relaxed than cooking during the week because there's time to experiment with new recipes and exciting ingredients. Since tomorrow is the 
If you were disappointed there was no bean-based dish in my 